"Bill on resource recycling
for used cars" Gains Diet Passage

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA)
is pleased to report that a government-proposed law on the recycling
of automobiles was recently passed in the National Diet.

This development is the outcome of a two-year study
on automobile recycling systems which was conducted by the Central Environment
Council and the Industrial Structure Council, an effort in which JAMA
also took a highly active part. Setting its sights on a more advanced
level of recycling for Japan in the near future, the law seeks to clarify
the roles of all parties involved in automobile recycling as well as
the general direction to be followed from now on towards achieving that
goal. In view of today's pressing environmental concerns and other key
factors, JAMA considers this legislation to be extremely timely and
welcome.

The law's provisions also call for vehicle manufacturers,
which play a central role, to continue to work closely with supporting
and related industries in the promotion of recycling. Specifically,
automakers will strive to introduce an integrated recycling system by
the time the legislation goes into effect and then oversee the smooth
implementation of that system thereafter. In short, auto manufacturers
will make every possible effort to establish and operate a recycling
system that can yield maximum results with optimal efficiency.

In accordance with the spirit of the new law, Japanese
automakers continue to advance and expand a wide range of programs and
strategies that support vehicle manufacturing on the basis of addressing
the requirements of recycling and environmental protection in general.

Critical factors in the successful and sustained implementation of such a system
include increased awareness on the part of vehicle users along with the cooperation
of the auto service operators concerned, the national government, local authorities
and other relevant parties. Considering the significance of this initiative and
the objectives it targets, JAMA calls upon the entire automotive sector for its
redoubled support in promoting both the spirit and the principles of this important
new legislation.